Bill Clinton advises against preemptive pardons as political tensions rise and Trump investigations loom. Clinton argues Hunter may have faced harsher consequences. Can the Hunter pardon set a dangerous precedent?
Clinton Weighs In on Biden’s Controversial Pardon
Former President Bill Clinton has entered the fray of the ongoing debate surrounding President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Speaking at the DealBook Summit in Manhattan, Clinton offered a nuanced perspective on the pardon, acknowledging its potential drawbacks while also defending Biden’s rationale.
Clinton pointed out that Biden’s earlier promise not to pardon his son had weakened his position. “I wish he hadn’t said he wasn’t going to do it,” Clinton remarked. “It does weaken his case.” However, he also argued that Hunter Biden likely faced disproportionate consequences due to his father’s position.
Bill Clinton low key throws Joe Biden under the bus by saying his pardon was much different. pic.twitter.com/miuCeoEpom
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) December 8, 2024
The Pardon’s Implications
The full and unconditional pardon issued by President Biden addressed Hunter’s legal troubles, including a federal conviction for illegally buying a gun and tax evasion. This decision has drawn criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats, raising concerns about the appearance of favoritism and potential abuse of presidential power.
“I personally believe that the president is almost certainly right that his son received completely different treatment than he would have if he hadn’t been the president’s son, in this kind of case,” said Bill Clinton.
Critics argue that this pardon could set a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for future presidents to use their pardon power to protect family members or political allies. Some fear it may undermine the Democrats’ stance on the rule of law, especially in light of ongoing investigations into former President Donald Trump and his associates.
"Do you think it would be wise of President Biden to preemptively pardon any potential targets? What about your wife?"
BILL CLINTON: "They’ve got a problem with her because first, she didn’t do anything wrong. Second, she followed the rules exactly as they were written…." pic.twitter.com/abODX590QD
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 11, 2024
Clinton’s Stance on Preemptive Pardons
While defending Biden’s decision regarding Hunter, Clinton took a firm stance against the idea of preemptive pardons. When asked about the possibility of Biden issuing pardons for Hillary Clinton or others who might face investigation under a potential Trump administration, Clinton was unequivocal in his opposition.
Clinton expressed confidence that any potential charges against Hillary Clinton regarding her email handling would be baseless. He referred to a State Department investigation that found 38 individuals responsible for security violations related to Clinton’s private email server but noted that no charges were filed.
The Broader Pardon Debate
The controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s pardon has reignited discussions about the presidential pardon power and its potential for abuse. Clinton himself faced scrutiny for his pardon decisions, including pardoning his half-brother, Roger Clinton, for old cocaine charges. This history adds weight to his current stance on the issue.
As the debate continues, the White House has indicated that Biden is reviewing other pardons and commutations. Meanwhile, former President Trump has criticized Hunter Biden’s pardon and questioned whether similar clemency would be extended to those involved in the January 6 Capitol breach.
The ongoing controversy underscores the need for a broader discussion on the pardon process and its role in the American justice system. As political tensions remain high and investigations into various figures continue, the use of presidential pardons will likely remain a contentious issue in the lead-up to the next election cycle.